The 2018 Meter Asset Provider Regulation – Problems And Prospects

Introduction

With the enactment of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) in 2005 and the subsequent privatisation of Nigeria's electricity sector in 2013, the provision of meters to electricity customers to ensure efficient billing and collection of electricity tariffs became the statutory responsibility of the electricity distribution companies (DisCos).

However, the DisCos have been unable to finance the acquisition and installation of meters, which in turn has allowed high commercial and collection losses to continue to plague Nigeria's electricity sector. Furthermore, the DisCos have perpetuated the practice of billing electricity customers on an estimated basis and not on the basis of actual electricity consumed.